Recreation
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ecause of the area’s moderate climate, there is an abundance of outdoor activities that provide year-round enjoyment. Like to fish? There’s a river for that. Want to swim in a cool mountain stream or river? You will not have to go far to find one. Have little ones who would enjoy the swings or jungle gym? We have several municipal parks and fields of play. Want to experience the challenge of a new golf course? You can do several rounds at our local courses. Whether you are a fitness fanatic who wants to hit the tough trails, or you just want to spend time in a slow-paced float down the river, we have it all, right here.
POLK COUNTY HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS: • North Pacolet River from Pacolet Falls to Highway 108 bridge • Fork Creek Church on SR 1100 to North Pacolet River • Big Fall Creek portion above water supply reservoir • Green River from the Henderson County line to mouth of Bright’s Creek • Little Cove Creek • Big Fall Creek (portion below water supply reservoir) • Cove Creek • Camp Creek (Henderson County line Green River) Laughter Pond Laughter Pond, located at the Polk County Recreation Complex in Mill Spring, provides public fishing and is stocked with catfish. There are no size restrictions on
catfish, and the daily limit is six catfish per licensed person per day. Lake Adger Lake Adger is stocked with muskies as part of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources fish-stocking program as well as having bass. The muskies are raised at the Table Rock State Fish Hatchery and the juvenile fish are released into Lake Adger in October with an average size of 8 to 18 inches in length.
FISHING LICENSE AND SUPPLIES: North Carolina fishing regulations can be found online at ncwildlife.org or by consulting the Regulations Digest for North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping. The regulations digest and fishing licenses can be obtained locally at the following locations:
38 | VISITOR’S BULLETIN Fall 2020
Crossroads Outdoors Arledge Business Plaza, 82 Highway 9 N., Mill Spring 828-899-0333
Gibson Park Pool Public swimming pool. Fee for pool use. Annual pass available. 236 Park St., Columbus 828-894-2646
MA Pace General Store 60 E. Main St., Saluda 828-749-2401
Harmon Field Beach Public river swimming and a public park with playgrounds 828-859-5784
McGuinn’s Store 4884 Highway 9, Mill Spring 828-625-4755 Silver Creek Campground 3111 Silver Creek Road, Mill Spring 828-894-2331
PUBLIC SWIMMING The Foothills area is known for its mountains and rivers, but also has public swimming opportunities. The area is home to nearby lakes, the Green River, Pacolet River and a countyowned outdoor swimming pool.
Lake Adger The county-owned lake has public access to swimming, fishing and boating. The marina is located off Silver Creek Road in Mill Spring. There are boat motor size restrictions. No waterskiing or jetskiing permitted. Kayaks and canoes, fishing, and pontoon boats are allowed.
